Movie Review: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)

 A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019) directed by Marielle Heller

Esquire magazine journalist Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys) is assigned to write a 400-word article about how Mr. Rogers (of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood fame, played by Tom Hanks) is a hero. Lloyd is world-weary and cynical, seemingly the worst match-up to the children's television legend. Lloyd's editor tells him that Rogers was the only one of all the heroes they are profiling who agreed to be interviewed by Lloyd. Lloyd reluctantly agrees; his wife (Susan Kelechi Watson) is excited. She's at home with their infant son. Lloyd travels to Pittsburgh where he begins not just an interview but a friendship with Fred Rogers. The situation doesn't start as a friendship, but Rogers' compassion and honesty initially frustrate Lloyd, eventually transforming Lloyd into a better person.

The movie starts with the iconic show opening of Mister Roger's Neighborhood, leading into Fred acknowledging how hurt Lloyd is and how his situation needs forgiveness to heal the deepest wounds Lloyd has. Lloyd is actually the main character in the film and his character arc is convincingly scripted and performed. He deals with a lot of family problems, some he has caused and some other members have caused. Rogers opens up a path for healing, but the way is full of hard work and sacrifice. Lloyd's transformation is inspiring.

Hanks gives a great performance. Any performer would have an easy time doing a parody of Mister Rogers' personality and mannerisms. Hanks shows the sincerity and the gentleness that made Rogers unique and beloved. His example is something sorely needed in our society. 

Highly recommended.

Watching this was inspired by A Good Story is Hard to Find Podcast, which is covering Won't You Be My Neighbor?, the documentary about Fred Rogers from 2018 (which I reviewed here).